Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye: "I don't understand why the People Power Party is filibustering now"

Minister of Justice Park Beom-gye attended the plenary session held at the National Assembly plenary chamber on the 27th and is leaving the chamber after the unlimited debate (filibuster) related to the 'Prosecution Investigation and Indictment Separation' ended. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Park Beom-gye, Minister of Justice, commented on the filibuster (unlimited debate) conducted by the People Power Party lawmakers to block the passage of the 'Complete Removal of Prosecutorial Investigation Rights (Geomsu Wanbak)' bill, saying, "Hasn't the original purpose been undermined?"

On the 28th, while heading to the Ministry of Justice Gwacheon office, Minister Park told reporters, "I don't understand why the filibuster is happening now. In fact, there was an agreement, then it was reconsidered, and there were discussions involving key lawmakers including the floor leaders of both parties," expressing his view.

The Democratic Party of Korea submitted the core bill of 'Geomsu Wanbak,' the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act, to the plenary session of the National Assembly the day before. The People Power Party initiated a filibuster to block the legislation, but it automatically ended as the temporary National Assembly session, which was set in a 'split' manner, concluded at midnight on the 28th. The next temporary National Assembly session is scheduled for the 30th. According to the National Assembly Act, once the first plenary session of the new temporary session is held, the amendment to the Prosecutors' Office Act will proceed to a vote without a filibuster.

Minister Park also suggested, "On Saturday (the 30th), it might be good for prominent lawmakers with legal backgrounds from both parties to come out and hold an explanatory session, like a public hearing for the people."

Regarding the meeting of the Human Rights Review Committee of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office held that day, he said, "There are various variables in the National Assembly's discussion on the separation of investigation and prosecution," adding, "I hope that not only the prosecution but also the new investigative bodies or the police will proactively and innovatively discuss ways to guarantee the fairness of investigations."

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